Male Chest Hair

For some men, removing male chest hair fits their lifestyles and personal preferences. Other men want to know how to increase hair in this area. This physical trait is the subject of frequent debate; individuals have different preferences as to whether chest hair is physically attractive or not.

Removing Male Chest Hair

Removing chest and abdominal hair has become popular in the last 20 years among different groups of men, including those with excessive hair or who prefer a leaner, more streamlined appearance. Removal is especially popular for men who frequently visit the beach (hair will impede tanning), body-build (excessive hair can hide a muscular physique), or participate in swimming or other athletics (hair provides unwanted friction and slows performance). Other reasons men may need to remove the hair include career choices (models and actors may need to be hair-free for certain roles or shoots) and those who have tattoos on the chest that they want to be seen.

Trimming

Trimming the hair makes it more maneagable and neat in appearance, it can also make a man feel cooler in hot weather and reduce the chance of hair getting caught in zippers or buttons. Men will also need to trim the hair before some complete removal methods such as shaving. Use a pair of sharp scissors or use an electric trimmer designer for grooming to trim the area all over or to create a more defined appearance of the hair.

Shaving

Simple and inexpensive, shaving has the advantage of getting a completely smooth chest. However, it needs to be shaved frequently to keep it smooth. To shave the chest area:

Prep by showering in warm water to make removal easier.

Use a moisturizing shave gel or cream and a fresh razor.

Shave against the growth direction of the hair for closest shave; for the chest you may need to shave in several different directions.

Avoid shaving near the nipple area; pluck hairs around the nipple rather than shaving too close to this sensitive area.

Creams

Hair removal creams can also be used on the chest area and is a quick and relatively inexpensive method. The results can last from several days to a week. Always test the cream to check for reactions to the chemicals. This may not be the best method for men with sensitive skin. To use:

Avoiding the nipples, apply the cream to the entire area of the chest designated for removal.

Check a small area after the minimum suggested time to see if the hair wipes off easily, if it does not, leave it on a bit longer and check again. Do not exceed the maximum suggested time.

Nads for Men line: Products from Nads include not only removal cream. but also waxing strips and ingrown hair treatment.

Waxing

Although waxing can be slightly painful, it has the advantage of lasting longer than shaving - since it pulls hair out from the root it can last up to six weeks. Hot wax is typically more effective at removing men's hair. To wax:

Hair needs to be long enough to adhere to the wax, typically at least one quarter of an inch.

Heat the wax and it against the direction of the hair growth.

Apply cloths strips to the waxed area and once the area is cooled, pull them off quickly and firmly.

Male body waxing is also becoming more common at salons. Getting the wax done by a professional can be quick and efficient.

More Permanent Methods

Laser treatments and electrolysis are options for men who want more long-lasting methods of hair removal. Laser treatment is also commonly used to thin the hair on the chest to make it more manageable. Electrolysis can be time consuming for larger areas like the chest, but it is the most permanent method.

Increasing Chest Hair

A man's genetic inheritance determines the precise thickness and pattern of the hair. It appears in late puberty typically between the ages of 18 and 30, though some young men may develop chest hair earlier depending on their hormone levels. As men mature, the amount and thickness of the chest hair typically increases.

There are no proven home methods to truly increase this hair since this is determined primarily by genetics. Some hair restorations specialists do perform body hair transplants using hair from the back of the scalp. Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, a hair restoration surgeon, explains that he has performed successful body hair transplants, but that not all facilities offer this service.

Physical Appeal

How physically attractive men's chest hair (or lack of) is has been the subject of debate. In recent years an increase in 'manscaping' meants it is more common for men to remove or trim their body hair. However, you can see trends in men wearing their body hair naturally, as Jessi Kelin chronicles in The Return of Chest Hair.

The desirability of chest hair is purely a personal preference. Style surveys consistently find that women tend to prefer a man with moderate hair, but attractions vary. Some men prefer smooth, hairless skin for a variety of reasons, while others enjoy flaunting it.

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